June 2011 p13 q9
1173
A curve is such that \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{x}} - 1\) and \(P(9, 5)\) is a point on the curve.
(ii) Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the curve. [3]
(iii) Find an expression for \(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\) and determine the nature of the stationary point. [2]
(iv) The normal to the curve at \(P\) makes an angle of \(\arctan k\) with the positive \(x\)-axis. Find the value of \(k\). [2]
Solution
(ii) To find the stationary point, set \(\frac{dy}{dx} = 0\):
\(\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}} - 1 = 0\)
\(\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}} = 1\)
\(\sqrt{x} = 2\)
\(x = 4\)
Substitute \(x = 4\) into the curve equation to find \(y\):
\(y = 6\)
Thus, the coordinates of the stationary point are \((4, 6)\).
(iii) Differentiate \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{x}} - 1\) to find \(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\):
\(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = -\frac{3}{x^2}\)
Since \(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} < 0\), the stationary point is a maximum.
(iv) The gradient of the tangent at \(P\) is \(\frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{1}{3}\).
The gradient of the normal is \(m = 3\) (since \(m_1 m_2 = -1\)).
The angle \(\theta\) is given by \(\tan \theta = 3\), so \(k = 3\).
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